Learning about music and having the opportunity to play musical
instruments and make music together is a vital part of a rich and
rounded education.
It has been proven that music plays a key role in brain
development, helping to nurture language, motor skills, emotional
intelligence, and collaboration skills.
We have published guidance setting
out what the National Plan for Music Education means for children
and young people, and how they can get involved in music both in
and out of school.
Here’s what you need to know.
What should music education look like in school?
Music is part of the National Curriculum from the ages of 5 to
14, and should be taught in a carefully planned, sequenced way
just like maths, English or science.
A great music education in school includes:
- at least one hour of classroom music teaching a week for key
stage 1 to 3 (years 1 to 9)
- access to lessons across a range of instruments, and singing
- opportunities to join a school choir or vocal group
- opportunities to join a school ensemble, band or group (such
as an orchestra or rock band)
- opportunities to listen to music, for example in concerts,
competitions or shows
- opportunities to go to live performances at least once a year
- opportunities to take music qualifications in secondary
school, for example:
- GCSEs
- A levels
- vocational technical qualifications (VTQs)
- graded music exams
What is a Music Hub and how can young people get
involved?
Music Hubs are networks of schools, education charities and
organisations, music services and community groups. They work
together to make sure that every child across the country has the
chance to explore music.
Music Hubs work with around 9 in 10 state-funded schools in
England. This includes collaborating with teachers in the
classroom to provide great music education, as well as providing
opportunities for pupils to learn and enjoy music outside of
school. They support pupils through music exams, and encourage
whole class instrumental lessons, singing lessons, choirs and
much more.
You can find information about your local music hub
at Music Education Hubs |
Arts Council England.
National Youth Music
Organisations help to develop talented young musicians
across a range of musical genres. They also provide support to
Music Hubs and many further and higher education settings.
How are you helping young people to access musical
instruments?
Having access to the right instruments helps all children and
young people to progress with their music education inside and
outside school, allowing them to play in an ensemble with their
peers or recreate broad genres of music.
From September 2024, Music Hubs will receive £25 million to fund
a wide variety of instruments for children and young people.
These will include both traditional instruments and adapted
instruments. Adapted instruments are especially designed so that
children and young people with SEND (special educational needs
& disabilities) can participate in music.
What other financial support is available for young
people who want to access music education?
There are several organisations that can help with providing
support for costs, fees and access to music. More details on
these organisations can be found in our guidance.
This includes costs for musical instruments, lessons and
rehearsal spaces and financial support to take part in activities
with youth music organisations beyond school.
Your local Music Hub may
provide financial support for some activities.
